Janet Street-Porter is appointed `Independent on Sunday' editor

JANET STREET-PORTER, one of the best-known personalities in the British media, was appointed editor of The Independent on Sunday last night.

She has enjoyed an extensive and high-profile career in television and print journalism. "I am very excited about editing such a respected newspaper," she said yesterday. "The Independent's individuality and style have always been its greatest assets. I look forward to developing the Sunday title further and bringing a fresh approach to the Sunday newspaper market."

Ms Street-Porter, 52, is often associated with the development of youth programming on television, with the Bafta award-winning Network 7 series for Channel 4, and with breaking convention. Her eclectic career includes lengthy experience as a TV producer. At the BBC she was head of independent production, running up to 35 series at any one time. She won many awards including the Prix Italia. She was also involved with the start of commercial radio in this country, presenting a two-hour show every day on LBC. And she was involved in the start of L!ve TV.

She has also written widely for newspapers. She was a columnist on the Daily Mail at the age of 21 after studying architecture. She later became a columnist on the London Evening Standard.

She said last night: "There are a lot of good things on The Independent on Sunday; but obviously I think it could achieve more. We have got to think about how to make it more distinctive. It has got to be more provocative and more lively; but it is a stylish paper. The Independent is a stylish brand. It can treat things seriously and wittily at the same time."

The media analyst Christine Walker, managing partner at Walker Media, said: "It is an appointment that hits you in the face. It must be good for The Independent on Sunday. She ought to be able,with her background and approach to life, to bring in the younger readers who are so elusive in the Sunday market, while keeping the 35-44 age group. I would also anticipate that her input might attract more females."

Ms Street-Porter replaces Kim Fletcher, who left the company yesterday. She will report to Simon Kelner, editor in chief of The Independent and The Independent on Sunday.

He said: "We feel that Janet's energy, expertise and individuality will assist us to accelerate the progress made on The Independent on Sunday over the past year. Her presence here will give the paper renewed dynamism and a unique editorial approach. Significant strides have been made over the past year with both papers and I am grateful for the work that Kim Fletcher has done in a very competitive market place."

Brendan Hopkins, chief executive of Independent News & Media (UK), said: "We feel Janet will bring a new direction and are confident that increased circulation will be the result. The financial position is now much stronger and we remain on track for break-even with both titles within the three- year time frame we set ourselves on acquisition."

Ms Street-Porter has been president of the Ramblers' Association, is a collector of modern art and lists her recreations in Who's Who as "walking, talking, seeing friends; built my own house".